NCS Policy Coordinator, Asia-Pacific

NCS Policy Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Singapore Conservation International (CI) works to implement natural climate solutions (NCS) around the world. In the Asia-Pacific region, CI is working to support the generation and trading of high-quality carbon credits from nature, which requires supporting technical capacity at the national and local levels, as well as supporting the creation of the right rules, incentives and market frameworks needed to harness the full potential of nature for climate action. CI is one of the global leaders in using natural climate solutions (NCS) to combat climate change. There is significant growth in the demand for high-quality conservation projects that can access the voluntary and compliance carbon markets and CI is rapidly expanding their portfolio of high-quality carbon projects and technical assistance to carbon policy initiatives to meet this demand. We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic coordinator to join our Asia-Pacific Regional NCS Policy team to support national and/or subnational-scale NCS policy projects and initiatives to support catalyzing CI’s climate finance objectives at scale. The Coordinator will play a pivotal role in advancing our applied jurisdictional-scale capacity-building efforts around policy and technical enabling conditions for NCS initiatives and programs in the Asia-Pacific region. The ideal candidate would have a good understanding of nature conservation, nature-based solutions, REDD+ and/or forestry and land sector emissions reduction/removal, climate change, and/or environmental policy. In addition, a strong candidate would have excellent organizational skills, an interest in effecting change at scale through influencing and building capacity of government and non-government decision-makers, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse team of technical, policy, and programmatic experts. The Coordinator will report directly to the Senior NCS Policy Manager and will be responsible for working with select CI country programs and partners in the Asia-Pacific region on NCS framework development and implementation efforts, including coordination support related to internal and external capacity building. They will be a part of the Global Policy and Government Affairs (GPGA) Division and the Asia-Pacific Natural Climate Solutions (AP-NCS) teams. The GPGA Division manages CI’s engagement in climate policy issues in the region (NCS credit generation, trading and trade facilitation, blue carbon, NDCs, etc.) to support a growing pipeline of initiatives to build jurisdictional systems and enabling conditions to catalyze NCS projects. The Coordinator will contribute to these goals at the regional level and support country teams at the national level in priority countries -- currently Cambodia and Singapore, but likely to soon include the Philippines, Bhutan, Indonesia, and Japan. The AP-NCS team manages a regional technical assistance facility that provides grants to early-stage carbon projects to build the pipeline of high-integrity nature-based carbon projects. As a member of this team, the Coordinator will contribute to building a pipeline of jurisdictional initiatives to provide direct support to regional NCS development objectives at the project and jurisdictional scale. The Regional NCS Policy Coordinator will provide administrative and organizational support for a range of jurisdictional policies, enabling conditions, and capacity-building efforts to support national and subnational-scale conservation-related programs or projects. The Coordinator will also contribute to conducting policy analysis, developing recommendations and engagement strategies, in line with CI positions and institutional priorities, to influence the design of domestic and international compliance and voluntary market frameworks related to NCS enabling conditions with a focus on jurisdictional and nested approaches for REDD+ and NCS. The Coordinator will be responsible for working with the GPGA and AP-NCS teams under supervision to provide direct support to country teams to develop policy analysis, options papers, position papers, proposals, recommendations, and briefings to influence the design of domestic and regional compliance and voluntary carbon market frameworks relating to jurisdictional and nested REDD+. Tasks will include conducting policy analyses, drafting memos, presentations, and conducting and compiling policy-relevant research, and supporting overall program communications and engagement internally and externally. Additional tasks will include organizing conference calls, team meetings, trainings, workshops, social events, and managing agendas, logistics, minutes, and reporting. They will support training and learning events including communications, travel logistics, venue oversight, and processing travel reimbursements and related event expenses. This position requires developing a broad and comprehensive knowledge of CI’s policies, procedures, and values, strong administrative and organizational skills, project management, critical thinking, ability to multi-task, build relationships, and handle sensitive information. They will be embedded in CI’s Asia-Pacific Field Division, which spans 13 countries with a regional headquarters in Singapore. The role is expected to be based in Singapore at the Asia-Pacific regional hub office. The successful candidate will be hired on a 1-year contract, which may be renewed based on fund availability and satisfactory performance. The hiring process will prioritize Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and/or candidates who do not require visa sponsorship. RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor key developments around Article 6 of the Paris Agreement transactions, carbon markets and climate policies at a national and international level, and other priority topics from relevant institutions online (e.g. UNFCCC, CORSIA, IC-VCM, UN-REDD+ and the REDD+ Lima Hub, Voluntary Carbon Markets, and other sources), summarize key takeaways and ensure information is communicated internally in a timely fashion. Conduct policy analysis and develop recommendations based on research and CI’s policy engagement strategies, to influence the design of domestic and international compliance and voluntary market frameworks related to NCS enabling conditions with a focus on jurisdictional and nested approaches for REDD+ and NCS. Synthesize findings into internal briefs, presentations, or reports; solicit review and assistance from other divisions/programs, to update internal research materials on Article 6, carbon markets policies and other climate policy issues. Support grant administration such as developing workplans, compiling progress reports, tracking and review of project results, responding to information requests, coordinating project activities, and following procurement procedures, among other areas as needed. Organize preparations for CI-led meetings and events, including meeting scheduling, meeting agenda, and room preparations, note taking, providing on-site support and receiving guests, and following up with notes and action items. Manage files, reports, and assets in online collaboration and information storage platforms (e.g., SharePoint and Microsoft Teams). Efficiently execute a variety of routine administrative and operational tasks, including procurement, human resources procedures, contracting, and budgeting support, among others. Draft communications materials such as external webpage content, Intranet news updates, publications, slide decks, presentations, or blog posts as needed. Other duties as assigned by supervisor. WORKING CONDITIONS The position is expected to be based in Singapore. This is a 1-year contract position, with renewal conditioned upon fund availability and performance. It is a full-time position with flexibility required, to adjust to deadlines and time zones. Flexibility in work schedule is required in order to accommodate time differences between field offices in Asia Pacific in multiple time zones, and occasional engagement with global and regional teams located in other parts of the globe. Does not have authority to allocate resources or approve budget expenditures. This position does not directly manage staff, but may direct the work of interns. Additionally, the position requires strong upward management skills to coordinate the work of CI country program staff and partners. This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process. QUALIFICATIONS Required Proven experience of 2 to 4 years in policy/government engagement, policy analysis, project coordination, grant management, or a related field. Prior experience working in a non-government organization, conservation organization, or carbon-related or climate finance projects is a plus. Excellent practical knowledge of NCS concepts and their relevance in climate change mitigation efforts. Proficient with project management tools and Microsoft Office Suite. Skilled at adapting to new project information management applications. Excellent analytical and quantification skills. Effective communication skills and experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Highly organized and strong attention to detail. Resourcefulness, critical thinking, and collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently with little supervision and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Able to work well under pressure, quickly understand project parameters, and capable of meeting deadlines on time. Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field. Experience working across different countries in the Asia Pacific region. Good interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Professional interest in working with NGOs dedicated to conservation and NCS. To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 (11:49 PM EST) See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors. #J-18808-Ljbffr